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691. PolicyWatch #1300: The Consequences of $100 Oil

Author:
Simon Henderson
Publication Date:
11-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract:
Over the next few days, oil is likely to break the $100 per barrel mark -- a price that will further raise U.S. consumer costs and conflict with economic measures such as the October 31 interest rate cut. Ironically, good news, such as predictions of greater economic growth, is just as likely to push oil prices above $100 as bad news. In either case, the price spike means both continuing danger and new opportunities for U.S. policy in the Middle East.
Topic:
Energy Policy and Oil
Political Geography:
United States and Middle East

692. U.S. Energy Security and Oil Revenue Transparency

Publication Date:
05-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Wilson Center
Abstract:
A diverse set of panelists addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by the growing importance of energy security as a central element of the U.S. foreign policy debate. The first panel featured speakers from the non-profit, private and financial sectors discussing the links between U.S. energy security and oil revenue transparency. All panelists focused on how a lack of transparency in energy transactions can contribute to both national instability in oil-rich nations and energy insecurity in oil-importing countries. Revenue transparency was seen by all as a critical first step in combating corruption. Panelists also noted the importance of conceiving of transparency in the broadest terms, to encompass budget transparency, contract transparency, reserves transparency, and transparency of concessions.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Energy Policy, International Political Economy, and Oil
Political Geography:
United States

693. Nuclear Energy: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Author:
Charles D. Ferguson
Publication Date:
04-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Council on Foreign Relations
Abstract:
According to a prevailing belief, humanity confronts two stark risks: catastrophes caused by climate change and annihilation by nuclear war. The conventional wisdom also believes that the former danger appears far more certain than the latter. This assessment has recently led an increasing number of policymakers, pundits, businesspeople, and environmentalists to advocate a major expansion of nuclear energy, which emits very few greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. While acknowledging the connection between nuclear fuel making and nuclear bomb building, nuclear power proponents suggest that nuclear proliferation and terrorism risks are readily manageable. Consequently, some of these advocates favor the use of subsidies to stimulate substantial growth of nuclear power.
Topic:
Security, Energy Policy, Nuclear Weapons, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:
United States

694. Europe's External Energy Policy: Between Geopolitics and the Market

Author:
Richard Youngs
Publication Date:
11-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies
Abstract:
While energy security has gradually been incorporated into the EU's foreign policy calculus, the declared approach of extending a nexus of 'market-governance' energy norms has been realised only to a limited extent. The EU has eschewed a comprehensively political approach to energy security, with its energy security policy currently hovering ineffectively between market and geopolitical approaches. The EU needs to address more effectively the way in which governance structures in producer states impact upon European energy interests.
Topic:
Energy Policy, Markets, and Oil
Political Geography:
Europe

695. Turkmenistan's Energy Policy: Risks and Opportunities

Author:
Saltanat Berdikeeva
Publication Date:
07-2007
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Insight Turkey
Institution:
SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research
Abstract:
This paper examines the evolving energy policy of Turkmenistan and how it has changed in the wake of the late Turkmen President Saparmurad Niyazov. The author argues that little has changed since Niyazov's death, though unavoidable choices will force his successors to drive Turkmenistan's energy policy in a new direction. But despite the efforts of the current Turkmen leadership to embrace a more liberal energy policy, coupled with some modest domestic reforms, the extent to which new president Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov is willing to follow through on initial changes is not clear. In the end, Turkmenistan's ability to successfully tap its energy potential will depend on a complex set of factors, including internal dynamics that affect the country's foreign and energy policies and an inevitable pipeline dilemma with associated issues with its energy partners. As Turkmenistan nears a crossroads in its energy plan strategy, there are many risks, but there are also opportunities for Western countries and companies.
Topic:
Energy Policy
Political Geography:
Turkmenistan

696. Energy Security: Investment or Insecurity

Author:
Fatih Birol
Publication Date:
05-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
International Peace Institute
Abstract:
The world is facing twin energy-related threats: that of not having adequate and secure supplies of energy at affordable prices and that of environmental harm caused by consuming too much of it. Soaring energy prices and recent geopolitical events have reminded us of the essential role energy plays in economic growth and development and of the vulnerability of the energy system to supply disruptions. Safeguarding energy supplies is once again at the top of the international policy agenda. Yet the current pattern of energy supply carries the threat of severe and irreversible environmental damage, including changes in global climate. Reconciling the goals of energy security and environmental protection requires strong and coordinated government action and public support.
Topic:
Security, Climate Change, Economics, and Energy Policy

697. Climate Change and Conflict: The Migration Link

Author:
Nils Petter Gleditsch, Idean Salehyan, and Ragnhild Nordås
Publication Date:
05-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
International Peace Institute
Abstract:
In October 2003, a report to the US Department of Defense received wide public attention for presenting a grim future scenario with warring states and massive social disturbance as a result of dramatic climate change. Although not intended to be a prediction, the authors nevertheless argued the plausibility of a scenario for rapid climate change which could result in a significant drop in the human carrying capacity of the earth's environment—food, water, and energy shortages, as well as extreme weather patterns. In turn, resource constraints and environmental damage could lead to geopolitical destabilization, skirmishes and even war.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Climate Change, Energy Policy, and Environment
Political Geography:
United States

698. A Marshall Plan for Energy, Water and Agriculture in Developing Countries

Author:
Richard L. Lawson and John R. Lyman
Publication Date:
04-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Atlantic Council
Abstract:
Today, hunger, poverty, and desperation remain prevalent throughout much of the developing world. If we are to live in a 21st century more prone to peace than violence, the developed countries must move expeditiously to address the developing countries' requirements for energy, water, and agricultural production. The availability, accessibility and affordability of energy, water and food supplies are vital to the economic development that is required to alleviate global poverty, to reduce global tensions, and to address global environmental degradation.
Topic:
Development, Energy Policy, Environment, Globalization, and Poverty

699. U.S.-China Energy Security Cooperation Dialogue Report

Publication Date:
06-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Atlantic Council
Abstract:
The Atlantic Council of the United States and the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations organized the first "U.S.-China Energy Security Cooperation Dialogue," held in Beijing on 31 October-1 November 2006. Conference participants included foreign policy analysts and energy experts from the U.S. and Chinese governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and universities in both the United States and China. The agenda covered a broad spectrum of energy and energy-related geopolitical issues, including long-range forecasts for energy supply and demand, energy sources ranging from oil and gas to coal, nuclear and renewables.
Topic:
Climate Change, Energy Policy, and International Cooperation
Political Geography:
United States, China, Beijing, and Asia

700. International Conference on Renewable Energy: Potential and Benefits for Developing Countries

Publication Date:
04-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
EastWest Institute
Abstract:
As part of the EastWest Institute's and the Madariaga European Foundation's joint project on Energy and Conflict Prevention, a one-day discussion titled “Energy and Conflict: Current Controversies” was held. This convening was part of the project's concluding activities.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Energy Policy, International Cooperation, and Oil
Political Geography:
Russia